Keele University Library halves energy use

ALMOST 200 tonnes of carbon will be cut from Keele University library's emissions as it replaces all its light fittings.

The project, completed with funding from Keele University and the Higher Education Funding Council for Education, will halve the energy used on lighting and is the largest environmental scheme undertaken by the institution in recent times.

Work is due to finish before this autumn's new intake of students, and will complement three solar PV installations installed on campus last year.

Keele University library has reduced its total number of lights from 1,040 to 700 in one area alone by choosing LEDs, new fittings, fully automatic controls and the most efficient fluorescent lamps possible.

Related content

The absence detection technology and other supplies are expected to save 319,000 kWh – the equivalent of the consumption of 80 average homes – and 166 tonnes of carbon annually.

Dave Fower, project manager of the installation, says: "The introduction of the 24/7 library hours during the academic year, responding to the changing needs of students, made reducing the energy used on lighting one of the major priorities for the sustainability push.

"It has also given us a chance to share our plans with students explaining why we are carrying out this project, the savings we are making and what is happening in the library. It's great to get students involved and interested in the benefits of environmentally friendly technology."